We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($525 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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What did you spend your second transfer on?
When I received this last transfer, I saw a chance of owning a home entertainment. I, therefore, spent the transfer on buying a television set, home theatre, decoder and aerial for home entertainment. I also used the transfer to buy a bed and mattress as we did have old ones and needed a comfortable place to sleep in. I also used some to buy school uniforms and stationery for my child who was joining high school.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly has changed our lives. I have done a lot of things using the transfers I received from them. I had a thatched house which used to leak when it rains. I used the transfer to buy building materials like iron shets, poles, nails and timber to use in building materials that I used to build a new house. Now, I have a better house that can accommodate them comfortably and without fear of being rained on.
They have not done anything bad. To me, they have only elevated us from poverty.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I can say my life has changed in so many ways. But the one that stands out is that I am a proud owner of a new and beautiful house. Now, we stay in a better house with my family. Previously, I had a thatched house which I usually got ashamed of and would not welcome my visitors in. On top of that, we also got rained on when it was raining. My visitors can now visit my house and I would not be downcast about it. We can now look forward to rainy seasons without fear.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time 6 years ago
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What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received from GiveDirectly on building materials that I have already used to construct a new house because the previous house was in bad condition and the walls were already fallen. Part of the money I spent on food for family and on my clothing too.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment when I received money from GiveDirectly I felt so happy, knelt and thanked God for such a blessing and prayed so that he shows me how best to use the money because throughout my life I had not handled such an amount of money.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life since I started receiving money from GiveDirectly is that I feel so proud having built a decent house.
Enrolled
access_time over 6 years ago
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in my life is that I am starving because I have a small piece of land which cannot be used for farming and I am not able to rent one due to my low income.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon when I go to the field to play football with my peers. This makes me happy because I am able to forget about my troubles through sports.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to build a new house, buy furniture as the ones I had got burnt in my previous house and also start a business of selling rice.
